GLWQA Links

The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement

Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement 1978

What is the Great Lakes Water
Quality Agreement?

The Agreement, first signed in 1972 and renewed in 1978,
expresses the commitment of each country to restore and maintain the
chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin
Ecosystem and includes a number of objectives and guidelines to
achieve these goals. It reaffirms the rights and obligation of
Canada and the United States under the Boundary Waters Treaty and
has become a major focus of Commission activity.

In 1987, a Protocol was signed amending the 1978 Agreement. The
amendments aim to strengthen the programs, practices and technology
described in the 1978 Agreement and to increase accountability for
their implementation. Timetables are set for implementation of
specific programs.

The Parties will meet biennially to discuss progress and report
periodically to the Commission. New annexes address atmospheric
deposition of toxic pollutants, contaminated sediments, groundwater,
and nonpoint sources of pollution. Annexes are also added to
incorporate the development and implementation of remedial action
plans for Areas of Concern and lakewide management plans to control
critical pollutants.

The Commission monitors and assesses progress under the Agreement
and advises Governments on matters related to the quality of the
boundary waters of the Great Lakes system. The Agreement also calls
upon the Commission to assist the Governments with joint programs
under the Agreement, and provides for two binational boards -- the
Great Lakes Water Quality Board and the Great Lakes Science Advisory
Board -- to advise the Commission.

Revised

Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978

Agreement, with
Annexes and Terms of Reference
between the United States and Canada signed at Ottawa November 22, 1978
and Phosphorus Load Reduction Supplement signed October 16, 1983

as amended by
Protocol signed November 18, 1987 Office Consolidation INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION UNITED STATES AND
CANADA